Ever since WADA reopened the doping case of Jannik Sinner, many tennis bigwigs have given their opinions on this matter. While many sided with the Italian star, some agreed with the top doping agency’s statement. The likes of Carlos Alcaraz and Brad Gilbert came forward to support Sinner amid uncertainty in his doping case. Now, Novak Djokovic is the latest star to break his silence as WADA sent shockwaves in the tennis community.

The Serb is in China where he’ll play in the Shanghai Masters. During an interview there, he was quizzed about WADA’s latest stance on Sinner’s doping case. Djokovic supported Sinner, and said, “The whole case around Sinner is not helping our sport at all. I think Jannik has won all three appeals so far, it must be really tough for him, his team and his family. I hope we can get back to tennis. It is impressive what Jannik is doing throughout this process. He is playing at a very high level, winning Slams and most of the matches he plays.”

Sinner’s doping fiasco dates back to late August just before the US Open where it was revealed that he failed a couple of doping tests at Indian Wells Masters. Subsequently, he defended his case and issued a justification that he came in contact with the banned substance through a spray applied by his physio.

Eventually, the ITIA let off Sinner with just points and a prize money deduction from the Indian Wells Masters. However, last month, WADA stated, “It is WADA’s view that the finding of ‘no fault or negligence’ was not correct under the applicable rules.” Subsequently, they filed a case with the CAS, asking for Sinner to be banned for 1-2 years. WADA’s latest ruling sent shockwaves in the tennis fraternity and many bigwigs reacted after that.

Tennis world shaken by WADA’s latest ruling in the doping case of Jannik Sinner

If WADA’s appeal is successful, Sinner would face a potential ban of at least two years at a time when he is at the top of his game. Not to say that his reputation will be tarnished. Additionally, the Italian star will leave a massive void in the tennis world as he has enthralled fans with his heroics this season. As a result, the likes of Brad Gilbert and Mark Petchey have openly criticized WADA for reopening Sinner’s case.

Gilbert defended Sinner and posted on X, “I am completely disheveled by this Wada decision, was 8000 times smaller then a gram of salt 🧂 this now will unfortunately take months to figure out.” Similarly, British legend, Petchey was also surprised to see WADA taking further steps in this case. He wrote, “Just for the record there is ZERO scandal in the Sinner case. He and his lawyers worked within the framework of what the rules are in the situation he found himself and got a decision based on the evidence presented. No conspiracy, no cover up.” 

Interestingly, the CAS hasn’t announced a date yet for Sinner’s case to be heard. For those unknown, there is a stockpile of cases pending with the Court of Arbitration for Sport and it is unknown when Sinner’s case will be taken up. Nonetheless, Sinner will be fully focused on finishing his year on a high amid these uncertain times. He will be seen in action at the Shanghai Masters next, where he is the top seed.